Lavang(Syzygiumaromaticum) has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties aswell as anti-carcinogenic,anti-mutagenic properties. According to Ayurveda lavang has tiktaand katu rasa and sheet virya. Due tokatu rasa it acts as kaphashamaka andpitta hara, due to sheetaveerya. Therefore, lepa (local application of paste) of lavang is applied on forehead in pratishyayjanyashirshoola (sinusitis induced headache). It acts as uttejak (aphrodisiac) in dhvajbhang (erectile dysfunction) due to its tikshnaguna. It also acts as krumighna(wormicidal) therefore it is used in dantshool (dental carries). In vyadhis (diseases) like amvaatkatishoolgrudhrasi local application of lavang tail reduces the pain. Due to its tikshnaguna, the salivary secretion increases and also the fibroblastic activity of mucus membrane ceases. Hence it can be used in oro-dental conditions like sub mucus fibrosis as it increases fibroclastic activity of cell. Clove hastwo major chemical components, Euginol and Beta Caryophyllene, which constitute 78% and 13% respectively. Both have cytotoxic property towards human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Clove also has been effective in inhibition of cell proliferation in carcinogenesis.Euginol also helps in inhibition of fungal growth. The leaves of clove containbetulinic acid, which also has cytotoxic property in certain cancers like breast cancer. This study aims at the therapeutic use of clove indicated in Ayurvedic literature and research studies conducted on the same. Comprehension of such literature is need of an hour for further clinical trials.

20.BochraKouidhi, TarekZmantar, AminaBakhrouf. Anticarcinogenic and cytotoxic activity of clove essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) against a large number of oral pathogens. Annals of Microbiology. 2010;07: 599-604